The Challenges of Becoming a Father

Summary

Linton talks about what it means to be a father and a partner in parenting. He describes the developmental phases of fatherhood and how to share the experience with others in a meaningful way. Linton believes that engaging in a mutual support system with other fathers is key. He says, “Being a father is a journey that we’re going on, and it’s taking us inside places in ourselves, making discoveries about who we are and sharing it with other dads… you don’t feel alone.” Being open, reflecting on the past, and remaining mindful are a few secrets he shares. He discusses the ways our culture portrays and perceives fathers, and workplace practices that affect the transition into fatherhood. He suggests taking a creative approach to work-life balance, and spending as much time as possible focusing on the importance of fatherhood as its own development. He says new fathers are having to step into an unfamiliar role, learning about and healing themselves in the process. “Men are now in the forefront of addressing our own identity and who we want to be as dads.” (hosted by Cory Smith)